Interesting News From Smashwords

Wizard’s Tower books are not available via Smashwords. There is a very simple reason or this. They don’t allow you to upload a finished book. They insist, instead, that you upload a Word document which they put through a really crappy automated converter (and, based on a few examples I have seen, insert legal language banning you from selling the book anywhere except through Smashwords). I’m proud of the books I produce. I don’t want Smashwords producing substandard versions of them, and I want to be able to sell them through many different stores.

Yesterday, however, Smashwords announced that they are finally beginning to test a system for direct upload of epubs. See Liz Castro’s post for details. Once that is up and running I’ll be delighted our books for sale through Smashwords.

I don’t think the text saying “This is a Smashwords edition,” etc., is actually required (or inserted by SW). It’s strongly suggested. However, I haven’t bought anything from Smashwords in ages and didn’t pay attention at the time, so it’s certainly possible they’re inserting something…

As a self-published author, though, I am also looking forward to epub uploads.